A COUPLE with a combined age of 171 are to tie the knot.

Roy Parker, 87, got down on his bad knee – with the aid of a cushion – to pop the question to Joan Tyler, 84.

She said yes, and the couple are now planning an autumn wedding.

Themature lovebirds met at the Active 4 Life Club, at Clacton Leisure Centre.

Retired plumber Mr Parker said: “I got down on one knee, but I had to have a cushion because I’ve had a knee replacement.

“We met at the Active 4 Life Club for the over-fifties and hit it off straight away. It was love at first sight."

For the full story, see Thursday's Gazette